5 Things You Didn’t Know About NYC

New York City is one of the world’s most fascinating metropolises. There are many facts about the city’s history, culture, and infrastructure that are commonly known. However, there are also certain aspects of the area that may surprise some people. Here are five facts about NYC that aren’t widely known.

There’s a Waterfall in the City

Believe it or not, the Concrete Jungle is home to a waterfall. According to The Telegraph, this waterfall is located in the North Woods section of Central Park. The waterfall is part of a stream valley and situated in a setting that was designed to look like something people would see in the Adirondack Mountains. Even though the waterfall is small, it is still a unique feature that is worth seeing.

Horn Honking is Illegal

Many people associate the bustling streets of NYC with impatient drivers honking their horns. However, List 25states that honking a vehicle’s horn is illegal within the city limits. The only time that honking is lawfully permitted is during an emergency situation. Whether New Yorkers are unaware of the law or just choose to ignore it, the sound of car horns echoing throughout the city is unlikely to change anytime soon.

More Than 2,000 Bridges and Tunnels Exist Throughout the City

It’s no surprise that NYC has a lot of bridges and tunnels, but some people are shocked to learn that these passageways total in the thousands, according to Just Fun Facts. Many of the tunnels are part of the city’s extensive subway system. Brooklyn Bridge and the George Washington Bridge are just two of NYC’s iconic bridges.

The City’s Irish Population is Larger Than Dublin’s

More people of Irish descent live in New York City than in Ireland’s capital of Dublin. Fact Retriever states that this is mainly due to the Irish Potato Famine in the 19th century, which prompted an influx of Irish immigrants who were searching for a better life in America. Brooklyn’s Windsor Terrace neighborhood and Staten Island’s West Brighton neighborhood are home to large Irish-American communities.

Manhattan Was Purchased for $24

As expensive as apartments are in Manhattan nowadays, the iconic island is said to have been bought for an amount that roughly equated to $24. Flynous notes that Dutch explorer Peter Minuit purchased the island from members of the Lenape Native American tribe in the 17th century. A settlement known as New Amsterdam was established at the southern tip of the island to serve as a home for Dutch settlers who arrived in the region.

These and other intriguing facts add to the allure of New York City and make this destination one of the most exciting places in the world to visit.